Rock bands in a building that also serves as a church

Another example of a church, this one in Hanover, PA, that doubles as a music venue.

Evening Sun, 2/18/07 - Center transforms for music: "Bombshelter events feature Christian hardcore bands, independent groups, acoustic artists, open mic nights and other happenings. Some of the acts are Christian, but not all....

And Freedom Valley, an Assemblies of God church, is often the place where that stigma is broken. The same room that usually holds about 90 churchgoers during Sunday morning services is turned into a completely different environment when The Bombshelter fills up. ...

Organizers understand that not all Bombshelter patrons are active Christians. So they try not to force religion down patrons' throats.

Aside from a few wall posters, the venue doesn't have much religious iconography.

A black sheet hangs behind the bands, and the event sometimes features acts who aren't much different than those found at a non-Christian rock show. Patrons pay to get in, then go crazy as hardcore rock is spewed from speakers on stage.

But Bombshelter Community shows are a different animal altogether.

Admission is free and patrons share a community meal. And concertgoers get to have a question-and-answer session with one of the bands in attendance.

... when Freedom Valley moved into a former restaurant last spring, Bombshelter organizers realized they had another venue to hold shows.

The remnants of the restaurant add to the building's charm. Aside from the bright green booths and kitchen equipment, music fans dance on the same carpet that restaurant patrons once spilled drinks on. The venue also has separate rooms for bands to leave their equipment, something organizers say they didn't have in the past. ...

'We wanted somewhere else where kids can hang out,' Wilson said. 'There wasn't any other place.'"

church
all ages
third places